YELLOWSTONE Rules and Regulations 1920

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

GENERAL REGULATIONS.
(In effect Mar, 1, 1920.)

The following rules and regulations for the government of the Yellowstone National Park are hereby established and made public pursuant to authority conferred by section 2475, United States Revised Statutes, and the act of Congress approved May 7, 1894 (28 Stat., 73), as amended by the act of June 28, 1910 (39 Stat., 238):

1. Preservation of natural features and curiosities.—It is forbidden to remove or injure the sediments or incrustations around the geysers, hot springs, or steam vents; or to deface the same by written inscriptions or otherwise; or to throw any object or substance into the springs or steam vents; or to injure or disturb in any manner or to carry off any of the mineral deposits, specimens, natural curiosities, or wonders within, the park; or to ride or drive upon any of the geyser or hot-spring formations, or to turn stock loose to graze in their vicinity.

The destruction, injury, defacement, or disturbance in any way of the public buildings, signs, equipment, or other property, or trees, flowers, vegetation, rocks, mineral, animal, or bird, or other life is prohibited.

2. Camping.—No camp shall be made at less distance than 100 feet from any traveled road. Blankets, clothing, hammocks, or any other article likely to frighten teams shall not be hung near the road.

Many successive parties camp on the same sites during the season; therefore camp grounds must be thoroughly cleaned before they are abandoned. Tin cans, bottles, cast-off clothing, and all other débris shall be placed in garbage cans or pits provided for the purpose. When camps are made in unfrequented localities, where pits or cans may not be provided, all refuse shall be burned or hidden where it will not be offensive to the eye.

Campers may use dead or fallen timber only, for fuel.

3. Fires.—Fires constitute one of the greatest perils to the park; they shall not be kindled near trees, dead wood, moss, dry leaves, forest mold, or other vegetable refuse, but in some open space on rocks or earth. Should camp be made in a locality where no such open space exists or is provided, the dead wood, moss, dry leaves, etc., shall be scraped away to the rock or earth over an area considerably larger than that required for the fire. Fires shall be lighted only when necessary, and when no longer needed, shall be completely extinguished and all embers and bed smothered with earth or water so that there remains no possibility of reignition.

Especial care shall be taken that no lighted match, cigar, or cigarette is dropped in any grass, twigs, leaves, or tree mold.

4. Hunting.—The park is a sanctuary for wild life of every sort and hunting, killing, wounding, capturing, or frightening any bird or wild animal in the park, except dangerous animals when it is necessary to prevent them from destroying life or inflicting injury, is prohibited.

The outfits, including guns, traps, teams, horses, or means of transportation used by persons engaged in hunting, killing, trapping, ensnaring, or capturing birds or wild animals, or in possession of game killed on the park lands under circumstances other than prescribed above, shall be taken up by the superintendent and held subject to the order of the Director of the National Park Service, except in cases where it is shown by satisfactory evidence that the outfit is not the property of the person or persons violating this regulation and the actual owner was not a party to such violation. Firearms are prohibited in the park except on written permission of the superintendent. Visitors entering or traveling through the park to places beyond shall, at entrance, report and surrender all firearms, traps, property so surrendered to any park officer nor are park officers authorized to accept responsibility of custody of any property for the convenience of visitors.

5. Bears.—Molesting or feeding the bears is prohibited.

6. Fishing.—Fishing with nets, seines, traps, or by the use of drugs or explosives, or in any other way than with hook and lines, or for merchandise or profit is prohibited. Fishing in particular waters may be suspended by the superintendent. All fish hooked less than 8 inches long shall be carefully handled with moist hands and returned at once to the water, if not seriously injured. Fish retained should be killed.

Ten fish shall constitute the limit for a day's catch from all waters within 2 miles of the main belt-line road system. In the case of other waters the superintendent of the park may authorize a limit of not exceeding 20 fish for a day's catch.

7. Private operations.—No person, firm, or corporation shall reside permanently, engage in any business, operate a moving-picture camera, or erect buildings in the park without permission in writing from the Director of the National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Applications for such permission may be addressed to the director or to the superintendent of the park.

8. Gambling.—Gambling in any form, or the operation of gambling devices, whether for merchandise or otherwise, is prohibited.

9. Advertisements.—Private notices or advertisements shall not be posted or displayed within the park, excepting such as the park superintendent deems necessary for the convenience and guidance of the public.

10. Mining.—The location of mining claims is prohibited within the park.

11. Grazing.—The running at large, herding, or grazing of live stock of any kind in the park, as well as the driving of live stock over same, is prohibited, except where authority therefor has been granted by the superintendent. Live stock found improperly on the park lands may be impounded and held until claimed by the owner and the trespass adjusted.

12. Authorized operators.—All persons, firms, or corporations holding franchises in the park shall keep the grounds used by them properly policed and shall maintain the premises in a sanitary condition to the satisfaction of the superintendent. No operator shall retain in his employment a person whose presence in the park may be deemed by the superintendent subversive of good order and management of the park.

All operators shall require each of their employees to wear a metal badge with a number thereon, or other mark of identification, the name and the number corresponding therewith, or the identification mark, being registered in the superintendent's office. These badges must be worn in plain sight on the hat or cap.

13. Dogs.—Dogs are not permitted in the park, except that, by special authority of the superintendent, they may be transported through the park provided they are kept under leash, or in a crate, while within the confines of the park.

14. Dead animals.—All domestic and grazed animals that may die in the park at any tourist camp or along any of the public thoroughfares shall be buried immediately by the owner or person having charge of such animals at least 2 feet beneath the ground, and in no case less than one-fourth mile from any camp or thoroughfare.

15. Travel.—(a) Saddle horses, pack trains, and horse-drawn vehicles have right of way over motor-propelled vehicles at all times.

(b) On sidehill grades throughout the park motor-driven vehicles shall take the outer side of the road when meeting or passing vehicles of any kind drawn by animals; likewise, freight, baggage, and heavy camping outfits shall take the outer side of the road on side hill grades when meeting or passing passenger vehicles drawn by animals.

(c) Wagons used for hauling heavy freight over the park roads shall have tires not less than 4 inches in width.

(d) All vehicles shall be equipped with lights for night travel. At least one light shall be carried on the left front side of horse-drawn vehicles in a position such as to be visible from both front and rear.

16. Miscellaneous.—(a) Campers and others shall not wash clothing or cooking utensils in the waters of the park or in any other way pollute them; or bathe in any of the streams near the regularly traveled thoroughfares in the park without suitable bathing clothes.

(b) Stock shall not be tied so as to permit their entering any of the streams of the park. All animals shall be kept a sufficient distance from camping grounds not to litter the ground and make unfit for use the area which may be used later as tent sites.

(c) Campers and all others, save those holding licenses from the Director of the National Park Service are prohibited from hiring their horses, trappings, or vehicles to tourists or visitors in the park.

(d) All complaints by tourists and others as to service, etc., rendered in the park should be made to the superintendent in writing before the complainant leaves the park. Oral complaints will be heard daily during office hours.

17. Fines and penalties.—Persons who render themselves obnoxious by disorderly conduct or bad behavior shall be subjected to the punishment hereinafter prescribed for violation of the foregoing regulations, or they may be summarily removed from the park by the superintendent and not allowed to return without permission in writing from the Director of the National Park Service or the superintendent of the park.

Any person who violates any of the foregoing regulations shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, and be adjudged to pay all costs of the proceedings.

AUTOMOBILE AND MOTORCYCLE REGULATIONS.

Pursuant to authority conferred by section 2475, Revised Statutes, United States, and the act of Congress approved May 7, 1894 (28 Stat., 73), as amended by the act approved June 28, 1916 (39 Stat., 238), the following regulations governing the admission of automobiles and motorcycles into the Yellowstone National Park are hereby established and made public:

1. Entrances.—Automobiles and motorcycles may enter and leave the park between 6 a. m. and 9.30 p. m. by any of the entrances, viz, northern or Gardiner entrance, western or West Yellowstone entrance, eastern or Cody entrance, southern or Snake River entrance.

The superintendent may in his discretion keep any or all the gate ways open longer each day should the public convenience make this appear necessary.

2. Automobiles.—The park is open to automobiles operated for pleasure, but not to those carrying passengers who are paying, either directly or indirectly, for the use of machines (excepting, however, automobiles used by transportation lines operating under Government franchise).

Careful driving is demanded of all persons using the roads.

The Government is in no way responsible for any kind of accident.

3. Motorcycles.—Motorcycles are admitted to the park under the same conditions as automobiles and are subject to the same regulations, as far as they are applicable.

4. Permits.—The permit shall be secured at the ranger station where the automobile enters, and will entitle the permittee to go over any or all of the roads in the park. It is good for the entire season, expiring on December 31 of the year of issue. The permit shall be conveniently kept so that it can be exhibited to park rangers on demand. Each permit shall be exhibited to the checking ranger for verification on exit from the park.

5. Fees.—Fees for automobile and motorcycle permits are $7.50 and $2.50, respectively, and are payable in cash only.

6. Direction.—Automobiles shall pass around the road system forming the " loop" in the direction opposite to that of the hands of a clock, as indicated by the arrows printed in red on the automobile guide map. The reverse direction may be taken as follows:

Norris Junction (N. J.) to Mammoth Hot Springs (M. S.), between 11 a. m. and 1 p. m. and after 4.30 p. m.

Madison Junction (M. J.) to Norris Junction (N. J.) any time of day or night except the periods 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. and 3 p. m. to 6 p.m.

Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful—O. F.) to Western Entrance (W. E.), any time after 1 p. m.

Canyon Junction (C. J.) to Lake Junction (L. J.), any time, day or night.

Mammoth Hot Springs (M. S.) to Tower Falls, early enough to reach Tower Fails by 1 p. m.

Canyon Junction (C. J.) to Norris Junction (N. J.) direct, any time, day or night.

The superintendent of the park has authority to change routing of cars if necessary.

7. Distance apart, gears and brakes.—Automobiles while in motion shall not be less than 50 yards apart, except for purpose of passing, which is permissible only on comparative levels or on slight grades. All automobiles, except while shifting gears, must retain their gears constantly enmeshed. The driver of each automobile will be required to satisfy the ranger issuing the permit that all parts of his machine, particularly the brakes and tires, are in first class working order and capable of making the trip, and that there is sufficient gasoline in the tank to reach the next place where it may be obtained. The automobile shall carry at least one extra tire.

8. Speeds.—Speed is limited to 12 miles per hour ascending and 10 miles per hour descending steep grades, and to 8 miles per hour when approaching sharp curves. On good roads with straight stretches, and when no team is nearer than 200 yards, the speed may be increased to 25 miles per hour.

Automobile trucks of more than 1-1/2 tons capacity are limited to a speed of not to exceed 15 miles per hour on all park roads.

9. Horns.—The horn shall be sounded on approaching curves or stretches of road concealed for any considerable distance by slopes, overhanging trees, or other obstacles, and before meeting or passing other machines, riding or driving animals, or pedestrians.

10. Lights.—All automobiles shall be equipped with head and tail lights, the headlights to be of sufficient brilliancy to insure safety in driving at night, and all lights shall be kept lighted after sunset when automobile is on the roads. Headlights shall be dimmed when meeting other automobiles or horse-drawn vehicles.

11. Muffler cut-outs.—Muffler cut-outs shall be closed while approaching or passing riding horses horse-drawn vehicles, hotels, or camps.

12. Teams.—When teams, saddle horses, or pack trains approach, automobiles shall take the outer edge of the roadway, regardless of the direction in which they may be going, taking care that sufficient room is left on the inside for the passage of vehicles and animals. Teams have the right of way, and automobiles shall be backed, or otherwise handled as may be necessary, so as to enable teams to pass with safety. In no case shall automobiles pass animals on the road at a speed greater than 8 miles per hour.

13. Overtaking vehicles.—Any vehicle traveling slowly upon any of the park roads shall, when overtaken by a faster moving motor vehicle, and upon suitable signal from such overtaking vehicle, give way to the right, in case of motor-driven vehicles, and to the inside, or bank side of the road, in case of horsedrawn vehicles, allowing the overtaking vehicle reasonably free passage, provided the overtaking vehicle does not exceed the speed limits specified for the park highways.

When automobiles, going in opposite directions, meet on a grade, the ascending machine has right of way, and the descending machine shall be backed or otherwise handled, as may be necessary to enable the ascending machine to pass with safety.

14. Accidents; stop-overs.—Automobiles stopping over at points inside the park, or delayed by breakdowns or accidents of any other nature, shall be immediately parked off the road, or, where this is impossible, on the outer edge of the road.

15. Fines and penalties.—Violation of any of the foregoing regulations will be punishable by revocation of automobile permit, or by immediate ejectment from the park, or by a fine not to exceed $500, or six months' imprisonment, or by any combination of these penalties, and be cause for refusal to issue a new automobile permit to the offender without prior sanction in writing from the Director of the National Park Service or the superintendent of the park.

16. Garages, repairs, supplies, free automobile camps.—Gasoline, oils, tires, and accessories are available for purchase at regular supply stations at Mammoth Hot Springs, Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful), Yellowstone Lake, and Grand Canyon. Repair shops and garages are maintained at these points. Automobile supplies may also be procured at Camp Roosevelt. Prices of supplies and rates for repair work are strictly regulated by the National Park Service. Free public camps for motorists are maintained at points indicated on the automobile guide map.

17. Reduced engine power; gasoline, etc.—Due to the high altitude of the park roads, averaging nearly 7,000 feet, the power of all automobiles is much reduced, so that a leaner mixture and about 50 per cent more gasoline is required than at lower altitudes. Likewise, one lower gear will generally have to be used on grades than would be necessary elsewhere. A further effect that must be watched is the heating of the engine on long grades, which may become serious unless care is used.

Motorcycles equipped with single speed engines will encounter serious difficulties in negotiating the heavy mountain grades, and drivers are warned against making the attempt with this class of machines.

18. These regulations do not apply to motor traffic on the county road in the northwest corner of the park.